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This paper examines the macroeconomic effects of IMF-supported adjustment programs. The evidence is reviewed for such effects, and new estimates are provided of these effects for 69 developing countries with programs during 1973–88. The empirical analysis indicates that in the short term, programs have led to an improvement in the current account and the balance of payments, a lowering of inflation, and a decline in growth. In the longer term, the positive effects of programs on the external balance and inflation are strengthened, and the adverse growth effects reduced.